I’m in the southern US, where COVID has leveled off somewhat but not to the point where I feel comfortable going out at will. At the same time, I need a job to fix my unemployment that I’ve faced for a year now. But I’m also trapped.

I’ve applied for a few jobs already, and most of them have turned me down even when employers have said that I’m highly qualified. I’m not the one to bounce back from setbacks easily, so I quickly get frazzled, thinking that superficial employers will turn me away at the slightest weakness. But to compound on this tendency of mine I also live with a couple of parents who usually initiate conversations about applying for jobs. I don’t think they understand how competitive the work force is now and sometimes I think they expect me to be absolutely stoic with every setback.

And this morning when we discussed a city job I haven’t heard back from, it quickly devolved into an exhausting interaction with them. I told them I didn’t want to discuss the job anymore but I didn’t pass that message on perfectly so they got even more annoying, as the conversation turned back toward themselves.

I want to open horizons to applying and interview tips with a job counselor, but again I’m a big time germaphobe. Since my parents just retired I don’t know if they would pester me about spending money on a counselor or not.

But like I said, even though my parents are largely supportive, they sure seem to pressure me at a time when the job world doesn’t even give me a chance.

Is there anyway I can regain motivation for job searching again without having to go through my family?